It’s an early call, Pat Cummins will be sold for a lot of money in IPL Auction: Aakash Chopra

Hosting JioCinema’s daily sports show ‘#AAKASHVANI’, Aakash Chopra predicted his top five buys at the IPL 2024 Player Auction to be held in Dubai on Tuesday. A total of 333 players have been shortlisted for the auction where there are 214 Indians and 119 overseas players. Chopra has made an early call about Pat Cummins bagging huge bucks in the event but his performance might not be that good.

Mitchell Starc (Australia): Teams may spend Rs 10-12 crore on him provided they have already spoken to him and sought assurance that he will not leave the IPL 2024 mid-way. The only thing that goes against him is that he leaves the tournament mid-way or does not turn up at all.  

Gerald Coetzee (South Africa): South Africa didn’t play him in the last match, but I can guarantee that he’s set for a million-dollar contract. Even if Starc misses out, I feel Coetzee is assured of a large contract. 

Shahrukh Khan (India): There’s something in this name! It’s going to be a blockbuster. Punjab released him and he may now end up fetching Rs 10-11 crore. Delhi Capitals may go all out for him as I feel they don’t have anyone who can bat well lower down the order.  

Pat Cummins (Australia): I am saying Pat Cummins because there’s a recency bias towards Australians. You see a lot of support staff from Australia. So just keep a watch on where all you have Australian coaches. It’s an early call, he will be sold for a lot of money, but his performance may not be that good in the IPL. That’s my early prediction. 

Shardul Thakur (India) & Daryl Mitchell (New Zealand): That’s because Shardul is an Indian fast bowler and an all-rounder. I’d also pick Daryl Mitchell as a lot of teams would require a batsman who can play spin lower down the order.